New nanomaterial pulls drinking water straight out of thin air

An international team of researchers led by Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov and Professor Rakesh Joshi has developed a novel nanomaterial capable of efficiently harvesting clean drinking water directly from atmospheric moisture. This featherlight material, made from calcium-intercalated graphene oxide aerogel, can absorb over three times its own weight in water. The material leverages enhanced hydrogen bonding created by combining calcium ions with graphene oxide, resulting in a synergistic effect that significantly boosts water adsorption beyond the sum of its individual components. Its porous aerogel structure allows rapid water uptake and easy release with mild heating to about 50°C, requiring minimal energy input. The research combined experimental work with advanced molecular simulations conducted on Australia’s National Computational Infrastructure supercomputer, providing insights into the molecular interactions that enable the material’s superior performance. While still in the fundamental research phase, the technology shows promise as a scalable, low-energy solution for providing potable water in humid but water-scarce regions worldwide. Industry partners